Bulletin No. 1, 2013

48 Chinese University Bulletin No. 1, 2013 Chinese Expert on Sino-Japanese Relations Prof. Ezra F. Vogel , Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences Emeritus at Harvard University, hosted a lecture on ‘Can China and Japan Make Peace?’ on 28 March to share his views on the relationship between China and Japan. The lecture attracted a full house of around 500, including academics, students, alumni, members of the consulates and the public. Professor Vogel talked about the ups and downs of Sino-Japanese relations, starting from the Japanese learning from China language, Buddhism, city layout and architecture, etc., to the Chinese learning modernization, textiles from Japan later on. From 1978 to 1992, the Japanese gave assistance to China’s modernization, and Sino-Japanese relations were good. This relationship, however, has been strained by the crisis in the Diaoyu Islands recently. Prof. Vogel observed that some Americans say current tensions between China, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam, stem from Chinese assertiveness. He disagrees. In history, the ownership of these places has never been decided, he pointed out, but now that more action is taking place to define boundaries, each country is trying to stake its claim over certain territory that overlaps. However when nationalist sentiments take over, it’s hard for the countries involved to remain cool-headed. In his opinion, the most that can be hoped for is for things to quiet down eventually. There should also be agreements in place regarding rules of engagement and action that can take place. This will avoid the risk of accident which at present, he believes, is serious. He is moderately hopeful that the leaders of both China and Japan will find ways to show they are committed to working together to establish a much more peaceful base and that they are aware that it’s good for their country and the world if they do so. The role of Hong Kong in providing a neutral, effective and independent platform for people to have discussions becomes all the more important.